Queen Victoria Building Sydney

The Queen Victoria Building is possibly the most beautiful shopping centre in the world.

Exterior of the Queen Victoria Building at night
Exterior of the Queen Victoria Building at night cc licensed photo by David Lee

The magnificent Queen Victoria Building, or QVB for short, is an architectural delight that should not be missed during you visit to Sydney. It is definitely one of the most beautiful shopping centres in the world and stunning to say the least. The QVB was completed in 1898 in the midst of a severe recession. The intricate Romanesque architecture topped with a centre dome required the employment many skilled craftsmen who would otherwise have been out of work during this difficult time.

When it first opened the QVB housed a concert hall, offices, warehouse space and shop space for many different services and tradespeople. Eventually the Concert Hall was replaced by the City Library and then, after a major retrofit in the 1930's, Sydney's City Council became the primary tenant.

The building gradually became run down again over the years and there was even some consideration of demolition. Fortunately, through a partnership agreement the building was painstakingly restored again between 1984 and 1986 followed by another refurbishing in 2009 for a total investment of $134 million.

The Queen Victoria Building now has many boutique shops and services throughout it's 4 levels. Outside the south end of the building the Bicentennial Plaza features a statue of Queen Victoria and the Royal Wishing Well which raises funds to benefit children who are deaf or blind.

There are many more interesting features and details in this incredible and beautifully detailed building - too many to mention here. This is one shopping centre where you may want to bring your camera.

Nearby attractions: Sydney Tower, Pitt Street Mall, Sydney Town Hall, Saint Andrew's Cathedral and Hyde Park.

Facts For Your Visit

Official Website: Queen Victoria Building Sydney

Fee: No

Regular Hours:
May differ on holidays

  • Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Address: 455 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Phone: (02) 9265 6800

Official Website: Queen Victoria Building Sydney

Reviews

Rated 4.5 out of 5Queen Victoria Building Star Rating

5 Star Rating The Queen Victoria Building is a true gem of historical architecture! It's beautifully preserved and still retains its original charm. The mall is massive and bustling. Instead of the usual chain stores on the ground floor, I recommend taking the time to explore the unique and characterful boutiques on the upper floors. We stumbled upon a handmade perfume shop – truly one-of-a-kind. It's a fantastic place to discover hidden gems away from the mainstream shops.
Cooper - 7 days ago

5 Star Rating It is a very spectacular and lovely building with a sense of history. Once inside, there are several cafes and stores. There is a piano on the second floor, and anyone can play it freely. However, some of the keys are broken and out of tune, so they may need to be repaired or tuned. The sound is not good. I think that one day a very good pianist will appear, so it might be better to repair it before Christmas. I am sure that further customers will come here to hear that pianist play. It was a very classy and wonderful place. It was a very pleasant place to shop, enjoy the cafes, and walk around!
Yoshi - 17 days ago

4 Star Rating The Iconic building and shopping centre in Sydney centre. You can do shopping, admire the historical architecture building as well as enjoy the international eateries under the same roof. There are some special shops here that you might not find at the other shopping mall. QVB is located adjoining with the Town Hall train station.
Maggie Chen - 4 days ago

5 Star Rating Beautiful heritage listed old building. Full of upmarket and boutique stores. Very pleasant to walk around and well worth a look. High tea is on offer in a number of places and looks very nice. Very expensive place to shop and limited sizes available.
The Red review - 1 month ago

5 Star Rating The Queen Victoria Building in New South Wales is a true architectural masterpiece that perfectly blends history and modernity. This iconic structure, located in the heart of Sydney, is a testament to the city's rich heritage and commitment to preserving its past. The QVB's stunning Romanesque architecture is a sight to behold, with its intricate details, stained glass windows, and majestic dome. The interior is a shopper's paradise, offering a wide range of boutiques and stores that cater to various tastes and preferences. It's not just a shopping destination; it's an experience. Stepping inside, you are transported to a bygone era, with the grand central atrium and the magnificent clock that draws crowds when it chimes. The building's careful restoration showcases its historical significance while providing a modern shopping environment. The QVB isn't just about shopping; it's a cultural destination. You can immerse yourself in the rich history of Sydney by exploring the various exhibits and displays within the building. It's a perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon, whether you're a history buff, a shopper, or just someone looking to appreciate stunning architecture. Overall, the Queen Victoria Building is an integral part of Sydney's cultural landscape, and it beautifully marries the past and present. It's a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a truly memorable experience.
Ankita Shrestha - 1 month ago

Accommodations near Queen Victoria Building Sydney:

Directions

Train Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Light Rail L2QVB1 minute
T1, T2, T3 or T4Town Hall1 minute
T2, T3, or T8St. James3 minutes

How to get to Queen Victoria Building Sydney by Train

By Light Rail L2: Exit at QVB which is right across the raod from the Queen Victoria Building.

By Train:Town Hall Station has a direct underground passage to the QVB (1 minute) or Exit St. James Station onto Elizabeth Street and cross over and continue west on Market Street (3 minutes).

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Photo Gallery

Video


Narrated video tour of the spectacular QVB in Sydney
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